Five Alabama Underclassmen Announce Decision to Leave for NFL

Another wave of Alabama student-athletes are ready to head off to the NFL.

The school held a press conference on Thursday afternoon to announce the decisions of five underclassmen: defensive backs Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison, defensive lineman Da'Ron Payne, Running Bo Scarbrough, and wide receiver Calvin Ridley. All five players have decided to leave school early to pursue a career in the NFL.

Every player except for Scarbrough is listed in either Mel Kiper or Todd McShay's top 32 prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft. Analysts believe Fitzpatrick is the top Crimson Tide player in this class and he's been projected to go in the top five picks of the draft. Alabama could have as many as five first-round picks this April.

The good news for next year's Crimson Tide teams is junior running back Damien Harris appears to have decided to return for his final season in Tuscaloosa. Although he has a little more time to declare for the draft, AL.com reported Wednesday that he would not forego his senior season.